Dick Muir’s Sharks, having lost to the Bulls, were again whipped on Wednesday night.

New Zealand’s bookies have the Cats as favourites to finish last in the Super 14, but on the evidence of the Sharks warm-up matches, it is the Durban-based outfit that look like propping up the table in a couple of months time.

Even the Sharks website was condemning of the performance with Mike Greenaway writing that the match would only be remembered for the punch-ups and the fact that the Sharks took a step backwards after a spirited performance against the Bulls.

The Cats won the main game at Rustenburg 20-13, despite the Sharks starting well through a Dusty Noble try. But, according to reports, ill-discipline cost the Durbanites and hooker Jody Jenneker’s yellow carding proved crucial.

Greenaway writes that the Cats had scored an early try through flank Cobus Grobbelaar and after lock Hall’s effort, they led 20-10. The only score in the second half was a Percy Montgomery penalty.

In the early game, the Sharks’ Hammerheads beat the Cats 26-14 in what was a battle of the B teams.